Triumph Speed 400: 6 Cons To Watch Out For

One of the biggest cons for the Speed 400 would definitely be its lack of features

• The Speed 400 is Triumph’s first-ever made-in-India bike
• 398cc liquid-cooled mill makes 40PS along with 37.5Nm
• In terms of design too, the bike nails the neo-retro look with plenty of round elements 

It wasn’t a long time ago that we had a brief first ride of the new Triumph Speed 400 and yes, we did find the bike to be an impressive and lovely-looking neo-retro roadster. But after that, when we got the bike for a longer road test, we discovered quite some chinks in its armour.

So if you were looking to get your hands on this retro bike, here are six cons about it that you must keep in mind before making the purchasing decision: 

Lack Of Features

One notable area where it falls short is in terms of modern technology features. Unlike some of its competitors, it lacks connected tech, riding modes, and turn-by-turn navigation. While skipping on riding modes can still be understandable, lack of turn-by-turn navigation was a big miss in our opinion. Navigation makes things very very easy, especially when you’re out touring. And given that many will tour with the Speed, it was a bit of a blunder that Triumph missed out on it. 

When it comes to the bike's instrumentation, it features a semi-digital instrument cluster. However, this cluster doesn't offer smartphone connectivity or navigation capabilities. While it does provide essential information such as a gear position indicator, distance-to-empty readout, and tell-tale lights, it may leave tech-savvy riders wanting more.

On a positive note, the Triumph Speed 400 does include a USB-C port, a thoughtful addition for those who rely on electronic devices mounted on the handlebars. This feature allows riders to keep their devices charged while on the go. However, considering the price point of the bike, some enthusiasts might expect a more comprehensive suite of modern tech features. 

Its Small Size

For taller individuals, particularly those with a more substantial build, the Triumph Speed 400 may not be the most accommodating option. In comparison to its counterpart, the Scrambler 400, the Speed 400 appears somewhat compact. Plus the Scrambler 400X will be the more rugged, taller and overall more accommodating motorcycle of the two. So if you yourself are on the taller side, we’d advise you to hold your money back till the Scrambler is launched in India later this October. 

During our evaluation, a rider standing at 6 feet in height encountered a slight issue with the bike's ergonomics. The riding position on the Speed 400 left him feeling somewhat cramped. So anyone who is north of around 5’10 in height will find the bike to be quite small to accommodate their frame. Particularly those with slightly longer legs will find it to be so, because while the bike’s handlebar has been positioned just right, its footpegs are a bit high and rearset. 

Slightly Odd Instrument Cluster

The choice of instrumentation on the Triumph Speed 400 has raised some questions regarding its alignment with the bike's character. Specifically, the combination of a digital tachometer and an analogue speedometer might not be the most harmonious fit. The major issue is that fact that reading the analogue speedometer, especially on the go, is quite a task to do. 

In hindsight, it appears that Bajaj, the manufacturer, had the opportunity to make a more decisive selection in this regard. One option could have been to opt for a more classic and simplistic round style, reminiscent of the Trident model. Alternatively, they could have chosen the elegant twin dials configuration seen on the 1200 classic.

By making a more defined choice in line with the bike's overall aesthetic and design, Bajaj could have enhanced the visual and functional appeal of the Speed 400's instrumentation, aligning it more closely with the desired character and style of the motorcycle.

Needs More Kinds Of Accessories

Presently, Bajaj and Triumph have limited options when it comes to luggage accessories for the Speed 400. They provide a single-sided saddlebag as the primary offering. This may pose a challenge for riders who require more storage capacity or prefer the balance provided by double-sided saddlebags.

For those in need of additional luggage space or desiring a symmetrical luggage setup, the solution lies in exploring aftermarket accessories.

Triumph’s Infamous Dealership Experiences

The service experience associated with Triumph motorcycles, particularly in certain regions of the country, has been a topic of concern. Some online accounts and reports have shed light on less-than-ideal experiences at certain Triumph dealerships. This has, at times, left a negative perception of the brand's service quality and customer satisfaction.

With the recent involvement of Bajaj in the management of Triumph, the question arises as to whether this partnership will lead to improvements in the overall dealership experience. The ability to provide a positive dealership experience under Bajaj's oversight remains an aspect that riders and potential customers will be keen to observe in the coming months.